YOUNG footballers in Darlington welcomed their foreign counterparts to the town as they played host to players from across Europe.

Teams of 14-year-old boys and girls from Finland, Poland and Germany, competed alongside home-grown talent for the Oval Trophy.

Darlington Town Twinning Association helped organise the tournament, in association with Darlington Borough Council and Darlington Partnership, and invited teams from twin town in Mulheim in Germany, Opole in Poland and Kuusankosi in Finland.

Teams from Billingham, Hartlepool and Newton Aycliffe also helped make up the competition.

Chairman of Darlington twinning association Tom Nutt said: "The competition has gone exceptionally well.

"The children all mixed in well together, despite the language barriers, and have learnt about the differences in each other's countries and cultures.

"I'm sure some long-lasting friendships will have been made."

The tournament was made possible by a £13,500 grant from The European for Citizens Programme, and sponsorship from local private and public enterprises including: The Oval Darlington, Sherwoods Motor Park, Woodlands Hospital, Darlington Football Club, Cummins Engineering, and County Durham Foundation.

Chief executive of Darlington Partnership Steve Rose said: "This event is an example of organisations in the town working together with the town twinning association to draw on the best resources in both the private and public sector, to give young people a real opportunity and help foster better international relationships."

The boys' competition was won by Polish side Odra Opole, who were undefeated in their six games and finished with a maximum 18 points.

The California Girls, from Middlesbrough, won the girls' competition, with a record of five wins and 15 points.

Presenting the trophies, Darlington Mayor Marion Swift said: "I have been really pleased to see the good sportsmanship which has taken place today. It is a great experience for young people to have the opportunity to play with different nationalities.

"Friendships have been made all across Europe, which, I am sure, will last for many years."